Russ, I don’t ride party pace. I’m a roadie. I don’t own a gravel bike. But it’s videos like this that make your channel one of my favorites. You engage with ideas that no other cycling RUclipsr does. Great vid.
At risk of over sharing, I have been so encouraged by your content. About eight years ago I was diagnosed as terminal and basically had my life fall apart. During years of being so sick I couldn’t leave the house my main hobby was building really inexpensive bicycles in my basement. I grew up around bicycle shops and had no concept of a “nice bicycle that is also comfortable“. The bikes I built I couldn’t even ride because they were so wildly uncomfortable, stretch out frames, low bars and aggressive seat height. But they looked dope like out of the magazines. My poor wife had to hear about you and your content basically every day as you slowly but surely changed my mind( I am still a work in progress) to be able to ride partypace and ride a comfortable bike. As funny as it sounds, no one ever had told me that my bike could be comfortable. So long comment aside. Thank you so very much for all the content that you have made, that has so encouraged me.
Eight years terminal, and you're still with us; sounds like bikes (whether you're riding them or not) are doing a damn fine job of keeping you fighting to stay with us. Stay with us brother, and I look forward to one day riding party pace with you.
I've definitely experienced bike burnout both as a cyclist and as a RUclipsr. When first starting as a "bike RUclipsr," it became such a big part of my identity that I also felt effects of the impostor syndrome whenever I didn't want to ride my bike or make videos. I put a lot of pressure on myself, probably unhealthily so, to make my dream of riding bikes for a living a reality. I also felt burnout when riding became a chore, specifically when I tried riding 30 miles every day for 30 days for a video. Turning a bike ride into "training" is the quickest way to suck the fun out of riding and to start resenting the bike. Turns out, it's perfectly healthy to get sick of doing the same thing over and over even if you loved doing it before. Over the years, I've learned that one of the hardest things to do as a RUclipsr is separate your personal from your professional life, but it's also one of the most important things to do to continue loving what you do. I also designate rides that are strictly for me and rides that are for making content. They're both fun, but they're completely different mentally and need separation. Cycling and RUclips are important parts of my life, but are not THE most important parts of my life. I have family; I have friends; I have a dog; these are more important. Now I just do whatever I find fun, for both riding and for RUclips, and my life is all the better for it. Delete Strava. Ride whatever puts a big, dumb smile on your face. Stay reasonably dangerous.
Russ and Zach are both inspirational. I don't agree with everything you guys post, but it's still a pleasure observing the experiences you have. Bravo gentlemen, and keep on keeping on.
Thanks Russ. We really enjoy your biking and fill in the blank. We love biking and coffee especially. We love your biking and fly fishing shows. We look forward to Laura's improved health as my wife and I really enjoy the shows where both of you are riding together.
As a cyclist I found my family, the PartyPace. I no longer have the desire to measure up to anyone. My only expectation is that I go out riding and exploring at my own happy party pace.
I love your videos, and they strike a cord for me. I'm not a You Tuber, or a big bike nut, but I am a psychologist, and am always paying attention to people's mood and motivation. This video is not (that much) about bicycling, but about being a person, and finding what's of value. Most of us (males) build our identity around our work/vocation/profession. And, it's really common for us to eventually not be sure that we like what we are doing. It's the sign of being an intelligent person to question our activities and the meaning of our lives. I honor your efforts - and agree with your suggestions to make small goals that are easy to attain as well as more difficult ones that challenge us. I like to ride party pace 30-50 miles a week on my Surly LHT - and try to go on the fun (easy) rail trails. I find your videos so entertaining. Keep it up. And, I will buy some merch to help.
I totally agree. First off, let me say that I love bike riding. At 63, I have had a few burnouts. All of them happened when I turned this activity I loved into some sort of competition rather than doing something I love. I now ride 150 to 250+ miles a week in season. I just ride….check out nature….enjoy the open air…..etc. I get fit just doing it. I never do group rides (No…I. am not an introvert..lol)…I ride 6 days a week. It is the most holistic act that I do. It benefits me mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Excellent video and very relevant….
Hello George, I’m 62 and have been a road cyclist since 1988. I think the biggest mistake I have made is becoming part of Strava. All the training and pressure to perform is too much. When I was younger I won a lot of local events. But now at my age, who am I going to race? What am I going to win? I recently started riding my mountain bike on bike paths and gravel. There’s no one to race and cycling is suddenly fun again. Thanks for listening. Chuck, Colorado Springs, CO.
Russ, was just listening to you today and heard you say “Laura got diagnosed with cancer”. I understand how this can change your perspective, especially when it is someone you can’t imagine your life without. Although I do not know you guys I appreciate your time and attention to cycling, which has been super helpful to me personally. I hope she is recovering and cancer free, and that you both will be enjoying each other in 5 years and beyond as much as you clearly do today. Thanks again, Russ. You are the rock.
That’s one reason why I have more than 1 hobby that I’m passionate about. Wether it be injury or just needing a break, when either situation happens, I just “shift gears”. If I have a nagging knee issue, I sea kayak, if my wrists bother me, I ride my bike.
Used to care about my speed and distance, then I took the computer off my bike. Now I ride without the constant performance metric and enjoy myself like when I was younger without the performance nanny. Makes me happier.
I am the same way. When I go for a ride people will ask, are you on Strava or how many miles did you do. I always answer " oh I had about 2 hours of fun".
I few years ago I switched from a plain computer to strava on my phone. With the mileage being recorded automatically, I set the goal of 5200 miles/year, 100/week average. Some years I've hit it and some I haven't but I have found it to be both motivating and discouraging. Also it seems to discourage me from mtb rides and more difficult road rides since it cuts into the mileage. I like a lot of the features on Strava, but I need to find a way to peel myself away from the 100 mile/week mindset.
Hey Cliff I know what you mean. A number of years ago I ran 10km races. I use to love running but then it became training. Everything was measured. Everything was time vs distance. Sucked the joy right out of running and I quit. I love bikepacking and the only goal is to make it to the predetermined campsite each night.
Since the battery in my Garmin got too weak to last 5-6 hours with the screen on, I've been running it on power save where it turns the screen off, only activating it when I hit a button or touch the screen. It brought home to me how little all those numbers matter. It's still nice to have a log of the route, but I don't need all the information while I'm out. Previous to trying the Garmin I probably rode for 10 years without a speedometer of any description though, so it was almost like going back to an old habit I'd forgotten rather than any sense of missing out on something.
I love your term, "performance nanny"! I usually ride alone these days, but if somebody wants to ride with me, I tell them to choose between their computer or me.
This is deep. What you say about biking can be applied to all aspects of life where burnout is a potential. I work in a field (education) where burnout is a huge issue but no one will talk about it. Also, your observations about identity/identifying as a cyclist and burnout - great food for thought. Thank you for this.
Been a lifelong cyclist, everything by bike, my entire life (only bought a van last year, at 45, because I needed a means to camp solo ... got to love quarantine); everyone always asks me, since I toast so many people on rides, "why don't you race", and my answer is always the same "I don't want to take something I love to do, and turn it into a competition". Even the "social" rides are turning more and more competitive, so I don't do any of those either. I just ride. Some days I pack a hammock, and go in search of the perfect spot to take a nap; some days I pack my coffee kit, and head off to make a cup of coffee and stare at the water; this year, I'll be throwing fly fishing into the mix (and I can that you and Laura for that ... should have happened last year, but the rod I wanted was backordered for close to a year); with them all, I just ride. No racing, no chasing KOMs, just riding, and exploring.
You sir is what I call a matured individual of the hobby you love to do. It's when you have fully understood the hobby and what it does for you and how it entertains or benefits you and not for anyone's interest or opinion. Something I learned after years of weightlifting...where everyone is comparing or counting numbers. Matured to the point where I see only myself in the gym mirror and focus the feeling of relieving stress :) Doing something for the wrong reasons will make anyone burnout.
@@bonbonflippers4298 I hear you on the weightraining, took me a while to let go of the need to get stronger and just do it for the enjoyment, the challenge, the feeliing of using my muscles...
Burnout found me when I was riding to improve my Strava times on uncomfortably aggressive bikes. The peak was when I bought a power meter. The idea of 'training' (for what?) at that level of accuracy was so discouraging that I didn't swing a leg over a bike in the two months following. Eventually I realized that not only don't I have to compete with anyone else, I don't even have to compete with younger me. I just got back from a ride I've done a hundred times; I don't know how fast I went and I don't care. But I enjoyed it.
This isn’t just about bikes, it’s about life. Truly one of your best videos. I use your mantra of Partypace to keep myself from turning every ride into a PR-attempt. You help us slow down and smell the flowers. You are inspiring, Russ.
A few days ago I was watching one of your videos and thinking, this channel Is SO GOOD! Every few weeks you have an interesting bike for us all to look at. You may not be winning races or competing in everything going but In your own field of RUclips, you’re a world champion.
Thank you for sharing!! I have been riding bikes for 30 years and have experienced burn out a few times. I learnt that there is nothing wrong in taking breaks. I literally walked away a few times and did something else. Once I rediscover my passion for cycling, my love for this lifestyle/sport grows stronger every time. and your channel has been an inspiration during this pandemic!
So glad it’s not just me! We were training with a friend for a bike tour (Paris to Spain), and our tall cycling buddy kept coaching me and insisting I pedaled at the same cadence as him. I’m tiny short and ride a small frame! My cranks going at his cadence isn’t going to work. It soured the whole experience for me and I was relieved when Clovid happened the week before we were flying out!
That's tough. Friendships in cycling can get complicated sometimes eh? I've had to walk away or set boundaries with people who insist I'm not doing things "right".... I hope you can still do that tour or something even better.
I've been biking for many years. I have 3 bikes I love where I bike all year. I decided to just go hiking instead this year. I'm not sure when I'll get back to bikes but I think it was due to me trying to beat my last years mileage goals. It became a job. I would love to do casual social rides but that is about all that seems appealing to me. This video hit home.
Woof. It's really a drag. Just dug myself out of that hole. This past weekend I ended a 50 day streak of at least 11 miles a day (Loop around Smith and Bybee Lakes) with some longer rides sprinkled in there, ended with a 124 mile epic mix surface ride that finally forced me to take a couple of rest days. So worth it. Now I'm amped about bikes again, getting fit, ready for more long rides.
Thanks for getting real with us. I'm suffering really bad burn out now after a 1K tour north to south through Texas. I have a small channel that never grows even when you work your ass off to create content and that definitely takes the fun out of it. I decided when it comes to RUclips I will just watch and when it comes to my bikes, I will just ride. I love my bikes and it will come back. Keep it fun
I felt like this when after I quit racing. I didn’t ride a bike for a year and got into motorcycles. I started to despise motorcycles, too much work and money. I started getting back into mtn bikes. I took up road riding too. It comes in cycles. ( no pun intended)
So many RUclipsrs probably wouldn’t have the courage to admit the struggles you’re going through for fear of disappointing and losing their fan base. But this is a normal aspect of real life and I know you’ll regain that enthusiasm for cycling because it’s in your DNA.
Food for thought. When I saw the title of this video I figured I wouldn't make it through. In a flash it was over and I really enjoyed listening. You have a great way of speaking and articulating your thoughts, it just draws you in. Thanks for sharing and keep up the great work. Sometimes life is a grind regardless of what you do.
You and I have this in common, we both decided to make a perfectly good hobby into our life's work. That adds additional pressure and can take the fun out of it. For me and at this time, party pace is more stressful, because that is usually how I am introducing new riders to the activity, so I feel a lot of pressure to make it fun and accessible, and I need to be the one capable of fixing anything that goes wrong on the ride. My stress relief is to go out solo and spend an hour plus in the pain cave. Keep it up, Russ, you creating great content.
Thanks for sharing Russ. I know the struggle. I have loved cycling/biking since I first learned on a Western Flyer "Miss Buzz Bike" that was handed down to me by my Aunt. Riding it also helped me deal with my Mother's struggle with and death from cancer two years later. My Dad long distance proposed to my (step)Mom (who had lived in Missoula for a bit) while she was bike touring around Europe with her brother (a Bikecentennial ride leader). I joined my jr/sr high school's bike touring club, later became president (for 3 years) organizing week long end of year tours, fun rides, overnighters, and even a couple "fun sized" triathlons. When I moved to SLO for college, I didn't do so well because I would skip class to go ride (Pismo & Avila Beach, Morro Bay, over Cuesta Grade, over "Poly Canyon Pass" on the Jeep trails through the sheep farms before they closed them off) It really cannot be overstated how much I love riding my bike (heck, I even feel joy sometimes when I am riding on an indoor trainer). Then I was nearly killed when I REALLY smashed up my bike against the side of a car. Afterwards I had a hard time feeling the love, even with a brand new "Holy Grail" Bridgestone road bike. I still rode but the pure joy I had previously felt was missing and eventually the riding stopped because I had gotten a car and the anxiety I felt getting ready to ride was sometimes overwhelming. 30-some years after that accident, I can still have a lot of anxiety before getting out the door and riding that first mile before the joy returns (or at least the existential dread fades). Honestly, your RUclips channel is one of the places that helped me get back into riding by reminding me of how much I enjoyed just riding "Hey, that was fun when I used to... -bring my rod and go fishing on some rides. -ride on some cool dirt/gravel trails. -bike tour. -just ride." So yeah, I get it, and I am totally on your side (even though I'm sure you probably think "Ugh, this a-hole again" when I comment :S ) On a separate note, do you have a fluorescent/neon fishing pole? The Sunday before last I saw someone on a nice bike with beefy tires and a front rack with one navigating the roundabouts north of 90 by the Albertsons (didn't get a good look because I was also navigating the roundabouts and it was pretty rainy). I was driving back from Bozeman (with a newly minted MSU alumni :) ) and was stopping for gas and food and thinking "It would be really funny if I saw Russ just biking around..." and then there was this guy riding a bike with a fishing pole, lol. Probably not you, but I thought I was a funny coincidence.
Whatever it takes to keep you going! Some times it might feel like work, some times it might feel like fun. In either case, I love what you do and I am here for it.
I realized something interesting this weekend as my wife and I said farewell to our favorite small winery after 16 difficult years in business, we were being selfish. I realized that its selfish to want them to stay when they were clearly tired and burned out or in your case, keep producing content for me to consume. I hope you know how much I appreciate your videos, even as a gravel riding roadie. You have taught me that strava stats be damned, its OK to slow down and actually enjoy the ride and to remember why we do this in the first place. This video is perfectly timed as Im beginning to experience burnout from non-stop "training" rides for 2 years, yet never competing, so thank you for this! Dont get burned out! We would rather you be healthy and inspired! ps. thanks for the like on my IG this weekend, that was me sporting your "Further" t-shirt!
The way I ride has completely changed from road, to all stats, pacelines, road rallies etc. It all went faded away when I suddenly lost my ride partner. He had introduced me to gravel and mtbing and riding to fun and exploration. So now riding to seeing beautiful areas and paths riding to pubs and cool coffee shop is way more my thing. Plus road riding is much more dangerous now and lost friends to motor vehicle/ bike accidents....im into partypace and having fun and enjoying the ride. Great video and I appreciate the realness.
Every bike is a fun machine. The problem with big events is the massive anticipation then the expectation. And it's so hard to accomplish. You be You! You inspire so many people. I love that you are human and like all of us. Not some uber athlete. You introduce so many people to the cool, new stuff and the useful, practical things that make it more fun. Thank you for what you do!
Hi from Helena! I think the comments here have shown your supporters (a) totally get it and (b) have gotten a lot out of your content. I don't have a RUclips channel or a spouse with a cancer diagnosis, so I can't imagine the pressure... but I can identify a little bit with your burnout. Not with cycling, in my case, but with running. I took up running at age 42 and became completely absorbed and obsessed with it for 12 years. Then menopause hit, and suddenly I didn't care about running, or about anything, really. I bought a mountain bike in 2019 to see if I could generate new non-running-related excitement for the great trails we have here in Helena. I didn't really know what a gravel bike was until I stumbled across your channel, and I was so happy to embrace the idea of "partypace" and riding for fun that I bought one last winter. So now I have two bikes to entice me to get out there and enjoy the same old views from a different "seat.". I just got home from a beer ride on the gravel bike tonight, in fact. Such a gift! I can't tell you how much I have appreciated knowing that "partypace" is a thing and that you don't have to be a bike snob to enjoy the sport. Thanks for helping me get out of my own small burnout period. I love your attitude and perspective on cycling. Take good care of yourselves!
for what it’s worth, this channel is probably one of the only things that kept me connected and in any way stoked about bikes when my first “burnout” came about a year ago. strangely, it was “training” for a ride across my state that year that got me stoked in it again. treating it like a tour of my state by bike instead of a lofty goal race feel made it all the more accessible in my brain AND allowed me to finish in good standing daily AND feel great every day. thanx y’all.
I think there is something to be said, in general, for the mental stress we've all been under since the pandemic hit. Even if you aren't aware of it, it's there, and we are just beginning to see the other side, while still addressing different issues facing our society. Its a lot when added to jobs, families, relationships... and trying to stay passionate about something we love and enjoy like cycling. I watch, read, and take part in cycling and it has buoyed me over the last few years. Yet I too and feeling burnt out and unmotivated to jump on my bike at the moment. This video is timely and appreciated, Russ, because I hear where you are coming from. Finding those little things that remind you why you enjoy cycling and the energy that comes from is important, as is taking breaks when you need to. I'm hoping now that we are seeing the light get brighter at the end of the tunnel (and its not the train) that the social side of in-person cycling will develop back and feel normal and that will help make all the difference. Cheers.
Hope both/and is ok. I am supremely inspired by your party-pace methodology, but I am equally inspired by grunting out an endurance event. Seems to me you didn’t fail in that event you did, you learned a ton about yourself and your intrinsic motivations.
that is exactly what happens to me as well from time to time, especially during the spring when I start preparing for a couple of sportives, then I start questioning everything , asking myself "why?" and then one day I discovered your youtube channel and was pleasently relieved to finally find someone who does not necessarily talk about cycling as a sport being exclusively reserved for those who intend to race, compete, take part in events, want to cycle as fast as possible, be as aero as possible, etc., which makes an average person feel outside and not even deserving to call himself/herself a cyclist in any context, so huge thanks to you and Laura for being a warm and pleasant surprise on youtube, I wish Laura and you all the best!
Thanks so much for sharing this! It's an important topic that is not discussed too often. As an older female cyclist I have struggled this year with burnout. I joined my local cycling club 2 years ago and with the pandemic and lack of races it's turned into an all out competitive challenge every weekend. Last year I pushed myself beyond what I thought I was capable of but I will never be as fast or strong as people half my age. I became so unhappy with riding with other people that I've quit the club. Right now I am working my way back to loving my bike. As Teddy Roosevelt said, "comparison is the thief of joy." I am almost 60 and have ridden bikes my entire life and they have always been a source of great joy, when I lost that for a moment I was heart broken. It became my mission to put the joy back into riding. So I ride alone and that's my happy place. I wish you all the happiness and love that cycling and life have to offer!!
Discovering your channel gave me a new lease on bike life. My life kinda fell apart over the past few years dealing with autoimmune issues, fatigue and heart palpitations. I had to change my entire view of what it meant to ride, and this channel was the perfect landing destination. I had to change my whole mindset from how fast and hard I could ride to just enjoying being able to get on a bike and ride whatever pace I could tolerate. I purchased the feedback sports stand you reviewed and started doing more of my own work on my bike, took the whole damn thing apart and put it back together, messed some stuff up along the way but learned so much. I've spent most of the past year riding on a trainer to avoid heart palpitations, but was able to get back outside recently and figure out how to manage outdoor riding on more of a "party pace" and it was a success. You really make a difference man, you've helped me find a manageable place in cycling and be ok with my limitations. Reading some of the other comments it looks like you've had a huge impact on lots of people. So just wanted to say a huge thank you, and lots of positive vibes to you and Laura.
I found that when I became a father, priorities had to change, but I still identified as a cyclist. Luckily my wife recognized that cycling is a major passion of mine and a form of mediation. She encourages me to ride. I use that time wisely and really enjoy riding again.
Thank you!!! This happened to me when I dropped out of the Race Across the West. My van broke down, which was also my house and support crew vehicle. I was completely exhausted and had so many people supporting me financially, spiritually and emotionally. I have no real desire to compete in a supported race again, something about being so emotionally controlled and fueled by seeing my van cruise past me on the back of a flatbed truck killed my mental strength.
This video really hit home because lately I've been, "dragging my axles" so to speak. I have wanted to ride and love doing it but just can't get motivated enough to get out the door. The thing that has helped me in the past is that my bike is on my home and lock screen on my phone. I have lots of pictures of it when it's under a tree or by the side of the road, or by the river. There are many pictures of it with my family. When I turn on my laptop or my home computer it's there on the desktop. It's a 1982 Trek 720, and I love that bike. When I look at it, it makes me happy, and that makes me want to ride. I have lots of bikes, but that one is my favorite. The only bike that I think I would want more is a Rivendell, Sam Hillborne. And that's your fault, Russ, because I had never heard of them until I started watching your videos. So thanks, and at the same time, how could you do that to me? Love the channel, keep up the good work.
Yep, I worked at bike shops for years, and then moved on to a larger mountain bike company. I got totally burnt out on the industry and bikes and only now, like eight years later, am I hopping back on the bike. Only this time I’m sitting upright, have a Wald basket, and regular clothes. 😆 Having your hobby as a job call can be a drag for sure. Great video man!
Like the ”Iceman” say: ”Don’t think too much, just do it”... A good advice actually, if I start to overthink and plan a ride too much I wont come out, no matter if it is a bike ride or a outdoor run. And a good method that you pointed out, have your goals set in small steps as it makes the “Iceman” statement a whole lot of easier to achieve. Thank you Russ for the work you are doing with this channel! I appreciate it a lot.
This is such a necessary video, thank you for being so personal and comfortable with sharing all of this. I find it fitting how this video and Propel’s latest video came out at the same time, both of you spoke about similar topics. For me, cycling has always been a way to have fun and explore the world in a new way, but so much of the bike industry is catered towards competitive and race specific bikes, that it can really turn off new people from cycling. There’s a sort of pretentiousness that I’ve picked up by many cyclists in my area who brag about their 10,000$ bike but talk like this just discourages new riders from even taking up cycling. We have a long way to go in changing the overall image of cycling but videos like this one and Propel’s video give me hope that eventually people will look at cycling as a way of transportation that doesn’t have to be competitive or so damn expensive.
This is a really, really great video. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Often whether I ride a century or sit in my chair all day and eat ice cream has hinged having my clothes and bike right at hand to blast out the door as soon as I wake up. If I opened a computer, I was doomed.
I really love abs appreciate this video. For me, when the burnout hits, the guilt of not putting in miles after having spent so much money, time, and identity/personality on it just cripples me mentally. Also very encouraging to see all these comments in here openly talking about it.
I’m training for DK200 right now. I am soooo over it. Riding on the trainer all winter sucked. Today I ignored my training plan and rode my bike for me. And now I’m a little more excited about riding again. Thank you for awesome, honest, and genuine content.
I appreciate your approach of bikes as enablers of other things - fishing, painting, coffee outside-ing. In the early days of the pandemic lockdown last year I set myself a minimum 10 miles a day work from home commute solo ride goal, as a way to safely see the world outside the house. It worked pretty well for a few months, but then the routes became stale and it was just a daily workout task. In the later half of the year I picked up an old mountain bike, which opened up a whole new set of trails and different skills, and allowed me to be a noob again and have to learn. I think variety, exploration and learning are key to not letting the brain define something as a routine event.
This video couldn't have come at a better time. Been cycling 100+km every week for the last year and suffering from a bit of bike burnout these last two weeks - haven't ridden once. Thanks for sharing.
Spot on! I have definitely experienced bike burnout. When I first got into biking a few years ago, I went all in. I got a second hand Salsa El Mar, did a century, started learning how to wrench, and eventually got a job doing exactly that...but making your hobby your job is rarely a good idea. After spending my 9-5 talking bikes, I’d get off and not want to ride or even think about bikes because it felt like work. After that, I got burnt out because of an injury. After putting miles and miles down for several years, I found myself unable to climb even the smallest hill or just go a few miles, and it became obvious I needed to take a step back and give my body a rest. I am glad I had good friends and virtual outlets (like this channel) to get me through my burnouts and get me back to the basics!
"Hike your own hike" the mantra of the thru-hiking backpacking world - I apply the same logic to riding gravel and bikepacking. Mixing it up with flyfishing or watercolors is a perfect example. Keep up the creative camera work, editing, and content is noticed. I think t-shirts with your artwork (and hats) may be a good route for the store... Thanks for sharing
Great content! Really well differentiated from the normal cycling fare, and so relevant! Genuinely appreciated, as I routinely oscillate between mundane local routes and epic explorations. I'm on the bike pretty much every day, but still (sometimes) wonder if the commitment is one of love or obligation.
It’s difficult when your passion and what pays the bills both involve bikes , as a mechanic for over 20 years it’s at times difficult to separate the motivations... Thanks for the vid! FD
We had a bike burn out....it lasted 10 years, went dinghy sailing instead. Came back to it found you and other's. I have said in the past you and Laura helped us to choose our Bromptons. Keep Safe the two of you. Love from England xx
Over the past few years, settling into a new location, I thought I’d get back into cycling. Long story short, having purchased three different bikes, unhappy with all of them, I turned to a small-wheel folding bike. What that did was change the dynamic of riding. I no longer had to prove something either to myself or others. No more spandex. As former pro-cyclist David Millar said in promoting the Brompton CHPT3, he no longer had a finish line to race toward. He now had multiple stops, all at his pace. Now I go out when I want, ride a distance I want and just appreciate that being on the bike (bike riding vs cycling) was a good thing. Keep up the great work.
Love your honesty. I’ve spent a lifetime in bikes and at times made a living from it. I still battle with this almost everyday yet I still ride often. Refreshing to hear you say this. I’m sure the pressure to create content only adds to it all.
Great channel. As far as biker burnout, I know exactly what you are talking about. It can be a real problem. I have burnout every day. For the first couple of miles I always think “what am I doing this for, it would have been better if I stayed in bed”. What gets me through it is my goals. I am a road rider and I have millage goals. Weekly, monthly and yearly goals. I have to ride to keep up with my goals, there’s no excuses. If I take a day off I have to make it up. It’s an obsession, there isn’t time for burnout because my goals will not be met. I really like your channel but remember, some of us have limited funds so keep that in mind. Most of my clothing and accessories comes from thrift stores and yard sales.
Thank You for the honesty. I rode hard in race training mode for years, and started to dread it, it hurt more as I got older, and at the same time I couldn’t ride as fast. Bought a gravel bike, and a MTB, and quit training and looking at cyclometer all the time, and, low and behold, I’m having fun again. It’s not my identity anymore, it’s my play time
You know Russ, no one could blame you for feeling a bit despondent given the situation with Laura. There ARE bigger things in life than going out cycling after all. But you also have this thing where your cycling hobby is no longer that, but a job of work. A tough gig! To your huge credit you always seem so positive and excited about what you're up to in the videos. You may not be (or want to be) a 'pro' cyclist, but you ARE a truly pro RUclipsr.
Russ, I only follow a couple of bike sites, yours being one. I am in my late 50’s and a heart attack survivor at the age of 49. Your channel has kept me motivated to take those regular rides. Sure I have a wimpy 4 mile commute, but I take longer rides and try to make the. fun rather than a death ride. Sometimes hard to do in hilly Seattle. Thanks for being their for us!
Very cool and inspiring of you to be taking motivated steps through tough times and even cooler to share and communicate about it so clearly and honestly. I’d like to offer a small statement of gratitude that somehow communicates to you a kind of pressure release to help you not feel guilty or inadequate when reassessing/resting/relaxing/eating/sleeping to recharge and find a good work/content/life balance. Take your sweet time good sir! All paces welcome in life and bikes! 🙂 ❤️
I solute you very much on all that you do. I can relate a little to your feelings...I love to plein air paint, fish, pan for gold and bike. Making the decision can leave me feeling a little guilty sometimes. I can only do one thing at a time! You have so much more on your plate ...pace yourself is all we can do! Hang in there!
Thank you, thank you, thank you. I have loved your channel ever since I started watching you and Laura ride your Bromtons. With all this “bike boom” talk lately and people saying, “your bike needs this or you need to do this, this is lighter or faster or more tech”, it gets overwhelming. I so appreciate folks like yourself who encourage having fun and enjoying the journey. Thanks again and both you and Laura take care.
I had to resist stopping several times to comment. I got into cycling again as an adult for fitness, and then it became a thing in and of itself where I wanted to continually improve more and more and I got to the point where I’d completed multiple challenging hilly and mountainous century rides. Spinal surgery required me dial it back. I realized I love being on the bike just for the sake of it. And your point is very well taken how cycling can add to so many other activities. I have a hybrid to ride on the hard packed sand of our beautiful Volusia country Florida beaches, and we have folding bikes that we bring to add another element to exploring New destinations. With folders are able to cover so much more ground even riding at party pace then we ever could on foot. We also have some vintage bikes that we take to critical mass events, some of the biggest party pace rides of all. Russ keep up the great work pointing out to all of us that there’s a place for all types of bikes and riders.
Thanks Russ for your honesty. I have fully embraced your partypace mantra. Been following you two for a long time and you guys have helped me and my wife fall in love with bicycle/train travel and not being afraid of being 200lbs and throwing the leg over the steel frame and going out for a ride. All while wearing jorts and wearing Saucony’s on flat pedals. Thank you to you and Laura.
It's like you have been saying on me here in Pdx. After being on the trainer all winter and committing to a 545 mile ride with 29k of climbing next, I have bike burnout!! Trying to pull myself out of the hole, yesterday was sunny and 80 and I didn't even ride. Tomorrow is a new day. Thank you for sharing!
The good thing about cycling is that there is so much you can get from it. If you focus on one thing it can get old but if you switch focus it can become new again. I ride every day to commute and try to ride 100-200km a week. It has changed my life. Thank you for all the inspiration.
Great, honest content Russ! My pro tip? I ride every day, just keeping fitness up for those bigger adventures. Yep, it gets boring...same routes, same sights. So I stick to the same bike for a couple weeks, then switch bikes and voila, everything feels new and fun again! Works a treat and yes, it’s a good excuse to own several bikes...
Hey Russ! Glad to see you address this topic!! Burnout is real, whether in our work, hobbies, too many nights in front of the TV, etc. Anything that we are passionate about (and do too much of) can become grey to us. When I notice burnout in my work, it is a large sign that I need to take a break--even a short one--change up my routine and do something different. Whenever I signed up for a bicycle event that required me to be able to "perform" several miles more than one day in a row--such as a week-long tour, etc. at first I would feel excited by my training plan. It eventually started to feel like a chore, but my motivation to be able to keep up on a group tour kept me going. The last time I thought about signing up for a group tour, initial excitement soon turned into "this isn't worth it", and I decided that the activity just didn't fit into that chapter of my life. I decided that I would stick to the type of riding that did fit, brought me joy, and allowed me to spend valuable time and life energy with husband (who doesn't bicycle)--and who I adore. :-)
Making a passion your vocation is a classic dilemma Russ! You’re right, you’ve got to reinvent the inspiration again and again. Love your idea about a “me ride” and a “channel” ride. Super smart to make that differentiation! So much tough stuff has happened for all of us the past year or so. It’s just a really tough time. So We need Partypace! : ). That’s brilliant and you own it. So own it! It’s your party, Russ! And love your paintings too! So much love for the sport comes though in those. Keep er going brotha!! Whatever you chose to define as “your party”!!
Thanks for this. Very interesting and heartfelt. My main goal in riding is to get out of the house, take a break from work, smell plants blooming, see some small change or new thing on the ride (if I am riding my normal "weekday" ride), and feel the breeze. There have been days when I lack motivation, but then I remember that I generally don't feel as good on days I don't ride and regret not going. Just that reminder gets me out on the bike. By the time I get to the end of the street, I'm already glad that I'm riding.
Thank you for doing this video! Your story makes me feel better about my own times of "burnout" with various hobbies and even my career. I appreciate you and Laura and all the good work you do!
Brother, I'm a relative newcomer to your site, (6 months or so) but I've seen your DK episode, and loved that, too. But your ethos is right up my alley - I love to ride my bikes... at my pace. I love to work on my bikes... at my pace. Sometimes I love just looking at bikes. But over some 37 years of riding now (I didn't even finally learn to successfully ride a bike until I was eleven!) I always feel that imposter syndrome from time to time, as all of the "real" boys and girls always seem to ride further, farther, faster, gnarlier, and meaner than me. I used to think I was fast, until I saw what fast was. I was never fast. Not by any stretch, not even in my late teens and early twenties, when I was fit, skinny, full of vim and vigor, and could hum along at faster than 40 mph in my 53x11 gear on the highway. I was still slow, by any account. And I'm definitely slow now, as life and it's myriad demands takes precedence and priority. Although I have always tried to make cycling an integral part of my transportation, and my life, if it doesn't fit in with the rest of my family, neighborhood, and communities way of doing things, it get's hard to keep the fires stoked, and sometimes, I just drive my car or truck to and from work for months at a time. All this to say: I feel validated, and celebrated, by your channel, and your embrace of the Party Pace!!! Ride because you want to, the way that you want to!
Nicely recognised. Been riding for 42 years now, mostly road, and raced for lots of years. Enthusiasm ebbs and flows but accepting that as being ok really helps to stay in the flow of cycling. Cheers for all the vids.
Yes yes, great topic! I had to reject the “gotta do” thinking and find the joy again. Now I go for frequent 5-10 mile rides to meet people for coffee, and longer trips when I want a challenge.
I am glad you are making the change. Keep at it! 😊 For me, any of unpleasantries (wet, cold, windy, or dark) adds up to 3 without pleasantries (ride with friends, going to a bakery, or going for a beer) to offset, I stop myself from riding on purpose and try not to feel guilty about it. Take care!
I've been struggling with this for the first time ever the past few weeks. Very fortunate timing! Thanks for taking the time to make a video and talk about this!
I had a bike burn out during a long tour around the world that last 4 years. I was feeling super anxious just looking at my bike in the morning. Took a year long break and now it's love again 🙂
Russ Biking became a key to clearing my mind when my wife was diagnosed with cancer. There were several episode important to me -- one was cranking out of the canyon after a ride on the White Rim Trail. I have never raced, never kept metrics, and never had so much as an odometer on my bike. I am sometimes caught off guard when asked how long a trail is or what speed I maintain. It is not how I define my sport.
You are on the right path. All the industry is moving towards what you have been preaching for years. Canyon just released a new bike that takes wider tires and has tons of attachments for bikepacking. Also. I have been suffering from the same exact thing. I have been using the bike to lose weight and got burnt out. But as you said it is the tiny habits and diversification of these habits that keeps us going
Thanks for sharing. Bike burnout is real and can have an emotional connection. I tend to race and get burned out by the end of November. Having events scattered throughout the year that has varied terrain helped. I have the most success with planning my own event for personal reasons, like riding to my in-laws to meet my family for dinner.
I enjoy your channel. I'm in my 60"s and have cycled pretty much all my life. It HAS to be fun -life really is to short for it to be anything else. Hope the good lady is doing well x
You and Laura are wonderful and I really appreciate you and understand the consequence of random events. You have to understand that it is an honor to support you as you inform, educate and stimulate and I thank you for making the effort. There will be days when it isn't 'about the bike'. So take care of Laura and yourself. Don't worry when you need a break, your insightful reflections on 'the bike' are worth the wait. I get it, the bike is a metaphor.
I recently headed out in still quite a cold spring here in the UK on a four day trip. I met a few folks on the road attempting the 220 mile route in two days. They asked me "how long dude? I said "four maybe five I dunno, Im just going at Partypace!" yay It's in the cyclist vocab and its all down to you....Boom. Thanks so much my friend. Glad to here your just Riding again more for you. Nick
Excellent video. Just what I needed. I get burned out on photography because I did that for work for 23 years. When I am going for a hike or bike ride, I don't even want to look at my camera bag. Nobody values that talent anymore. But hey I had a good run. My book of portraits sold all over the world and I made some real money. I want to do the Oregon coast ride soon, but just can't seem to get started training. A year and a half ago I rode 1k elevation(Burma rd @Smith Rock) every day for 50 days before my 50th birthday. A few times I missed a day, but instead of beating myself up about it I just did it twice the next day. At one point I had missed a couple days and rode it three times. Then I thought "Let's see if I can do it again, and again" I rode 5k elevation that day on really steep gravelly roads. over the month and a half, I lost only 5 lbs, but I felt trimmer and was in way better shape. I also went through 3 pairs of disc brakes!!!!!!!! It is steep coming down. Today I am going to just ride to the grocery store. Thanks for your inspiration.
Very timely, I've been suffering through bike burn out since Thanksgiving. I feel like I'm close to wanting to get back out there, but not quite there yet.
Russ, I don’t ride party pace. I’m a roadie. I don’t own a gravel bike. But it’s videos like this that make your channel one of my favorites. You engage with ideas that no other cycling RUclipsr does. Great vid.
At risk of over sharing, I have been so encouraged by your content. About eight years ago I was diagnosed as terminal and basically had my life fall apart. During years of being so sick I couldn’t leave the house my main hobby was building really inexpensive bicycles in my basement. I grew up around bicycle shops and had no concept of a “nice bicycle that is also comfortable“. The bikes I built I couldn’t even ride because they were so wildly uncomfortable, stretch out frames, low bars and aggressive seat height. But they looked dope like out of the magazines. My poor wife had to hear about you and your content basically every day as you slowly but surely changed my mind( I am still a work in progress) to be able to ride partypace and ride a comfortable bike. As funny as it sounds, no one ever had told me that my bike could be comfortable. So long comment aside. Thank you so very much for all the content that you have made, that has so encouraged me.
Eight years terminal, and you're still with us; sounds like bikes (whether you're riding them or not) are doing a damn fine job of keeping you fighting to stay with us. Stay with us brother, and I look forward to one day riding party pace with you.
@Shawn Wakeman The humility and frankness of your comment is inspiring.
I've definitely experienced bike burnout both as a cyclist and as a RUclipsr. When first starting as a "bike RUclipsr," it became such a big part of my identity that I also felt effects of the impostor syndrome whenever I didn't want to ride my bike or make videos. I put a lot of pressure on myself, probably unhealthily so, to make my dream of riding bikes for a living a reality.
I also felt burnout when riding became a chore, specifically when I tried riding 30 miles every day for 30 days for a video. Turning a bike ride into "training" is the quickest way to suck the fun out of riding and to start resenting the bike. Turns out, it's perfectly healthy to get sick of doing the same thing over and over even if you loved doing it before. Over the years, I've learned that one of the hardest things to do as a RUclipsr is separate your personal from your professional life, but it's also one of the most important things to do to continue loving what you do.
I also designate rides that are strictly for me and rides that are for making content. They're both fun, but they're completely different mentally and need separation. Cycling and RUclips are important parts of my life, but are not THE most important parts of my life. I have family; I have friends; I have a dog; these are more important. Now I just do whatever I find fun, for both riding and for RUclips, and my life is all the better for it.
Delete Strava. Ride whatever puts a big, dumb smile on your face. Stay reasonably dangerous.
Healthy attitude!
You're another of my must-watch bike RUclipsrs. All best wishes...
Love your work Zach!
Well said
Russ and Zach are both inspirational. I don't agree with everything you guys post, but it's still a pleasure observing the experiences you have. Bravo gentlemen, and keep on keeping on.
this is cool. we need more honest and personal bike journalism like this.
Thanks Russ. We really enjoy your biking and fill in the blank. We love biking and coffee especially. We love your biking and fly fishing shows. We look forward to Laura's improved health as my wife and I really enjoy the shows where both of you are riding together.
As a cyclist I found my family, the PartyPace. I no longer have the desire to measure up to anyone. My only expectation is that I go out riding and exploring at my own happy party pace.
Party pace is where it’s at. Just peddle.
I love your videos, and they strike a cord for me. I'm not a You Tuber, or a big bike nut, but I am a psychologist, and am always paying attention to people's mood and motivation. This video is not (that much) about bicycling, but about being a person, and finding what's of value. Most of us (males) build our identity around our work/vocation/profession. And, it's really common for us to eventually not be sure that we like what we are doing. It's the sign of being an intelligent person to question our activities and the meaning of our lives. I honor your efforts - and agree with your suggestions to make small goals that are easy to attain as well as more difficult ones that challenge us. I like to ride party pace 30-50 miles a week on my Surly LHT - and try to go on the fun (easy) rail trails. I find your videos so entertaining. Keep it up. And, I will buy some merch to help.
I totally agree. First off, let me say that I love bike riding. At 63, I have had a few burnouts. All of them happened when I turned this activity I loved into some sort of competition rather than doing something I love. I now ride 150 to 250+ miles a week in season. I just ride….check out nature….enjoy the open air…..etc. I get fit just doing it. I never do group rides (No…I. am not an introvert..lol)…I ride 6 days a week. It is the most holistic act that I do. It benefits me mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Excellent video and very relevant….
Hello George, I’m 62 and have been a road cyclist since 1988. I think the biggest mistake I have made is becoming part of Strava. All the training and pressure to perform is too much. When I was younger I won a lot of local events. But now at my age, who am I going to race? What am I going to win? I recently started riding my mountain bike on bike paths and gravel. There’s no one to race and cycling is suddenly fun again. Thanks for listening. Chuck, Colorado Springs, CO.
@@chuckfrizzell8668 agree about the negatives with strava, so much is lost when it's only the metrics
Party pace works not just in biking but life. Take care of yourself and Laura. Really like your channel. Take care, Al
Russ, was just listening to you today and heard you say “Laura got diagnosed with cancer”. I understand how this can change your perspective, especially when it is someone you can’t imagine your life without. Although I do not know you guys I appreciate your time and attention to cycling, which has been super helpful to me personally. I hope she is recovering and cancer free, and that you both will be enjoying each other in 5 years and beyond as much as you clearly do today. Thanks again, Russ. You are the rock.
That’s one reason why I have more than 1 hobby that I’m passionate about. Wether it be injury or just needing a break, when either situation happens, I just “shift gears”.
If I have a nagging knee issue, I sea kayak, if my wrists bother me, I ride my bike.
You're the most intelligent and interesting bike content creator on RUclips. I enjoy and relate to this video myself.
Used to care about my speed and distance, then I took the computer off my bike. Now I ride without the constant performance metric and enjoy myself like when I was younger without the performance nanny. Makes me happier.
I am the same way. When I go for a ride people will ask, are you on Strava or how many miles did you do. I always answer " oh I had about 2 hours of fun".
I few years ago I switched from a plain computer to strava on my phone. With the mileage being recorded automatically, I set the goal of 5200 miles/year, 100/week average. Some years I've hit it and some I haven't but I have found it to be both motivating and discouraging. Also it seems to discourage me from mtb rides and more difficult road rides since it cuts into the mileage. I like a lot of the features on Strava, but I need to find a way to peel myself away from the 100 mile/week mindset.
Hey Cliff I know what you mean. A number of years ago I ran 10km races. I use to love running but then it became training. Everything was measured. Everything was time vs distance. Sucked the joy right out of running and I quit. I love bikepacking and the only goal is to make it to the predetermined campsite each night.
Since the battery in my Garmin got too weak to last 5-6 hours with the screen on, I've been running it on power save where it turns the screen off, only activating it when I hit a button or touch the screen. It brought home to me how little all those numbers matter. It's still nice to have a log of the route, but I don't need all the information while I'm out. Previous to trying the Garmin I probably rode for 10 years without a speedometer of any description though, so it was almost like going back to an old habit I'd forgotten rather than any sense of missing out on something.
I love your term, "performance nanny"! I usually ride alone these days, but if somebody wants to ride with me, I tell them to choose between their computer or me.
This is deep. What you say about biking can be applied to all aspects of life where burnout is a potential. I work in a field (education) where burnout is a huge issue but no one will talk about it. Also, your observations about identity/identifying as a cyclist and burnout - great food for thought. Thank you for this.
Been a lifelong cyclist, everything by bike, my entire life (only bought a van last year, at 45, because I needed a means to camp solo ... got to love quarantine); everyone always asks me, since I toast so many people on rides, "why don't you race", and my answer is always the same "I don't want to take something I love to do, and turn it into a competition". Even the "social" rides are turning more and more competitive, so I don't do any of those either. I just ride.
Some days I pack a hammock, and go in search of the perfect spot to take a nap; some days I pack my coffee kit, and head off to make a cup of coffee and stare at the water; this year, I'll be throwing fly fishing into the mix (and I can that you and Laura for that ... should have happened last year, but the rod I wanted was backordered for close to a year); with them all, I just ride. No racing, no chasing KOMs, just riding, and exploring.
You sir is what I call a matured individual of the hobby you love to do. It's when you have fully understood the hobby and what it does for you and how it entertains or benefits you and not for anyone's interest or opinion.
Something I learned after years of weightlifting...where everyone is comparing or counting numbers.
Matured to the point where I see only myself in the gym mirror and focus the feeling of relieving stress :)
Doing something for the wrong reasons will make anyone burnout.
@@bonbonflippers4298 I hear you on the weightraining, took me a while to let go of the need to get stronger and just do it for the enjoyment, the challenge, the feeliing of using my muscles...
Burnout found me when I was riding to improve my Strava times on uncomfortably aggressive bikes. The peak was when I bought a power meter. The idea of 'training' (for what?) at that level of accuracy was so discouraging that I didn't swing a leg over a bike in the two months following. Eventually I realized that not only don't I have to compete with anyone else, I don't even have to compete with younger me. I just got back from a ride I've done a hundred times; I don't know how fast I went and I don't care. But I enjoyed it.
I just purchased a power meter and already have buyer's remorse.
This isn’t just about bikes, it’s about life. Truly one of your best videos.
I use your mantra of Partypace to keep myself from turning every ride into a PR-attempt. You help us slow down and smell the flowers. You are inspiring, Russ.
A few days ago I was watching one of your videos and thinking, this channel Is SO GOOD! Every few weeks you have an interesting bike for us all to look at. You may not be winning races or competing in everything going but In your own field of RUclips, you’re a world champion.
Thank you for sharing!! I have been riding bikes for 30 years and have experienced burn out a few times. I learnt that there is nothing wrong in taking breaks. I literally walked away a few times and did something else. Once I rediscover my passion for cycling, my love for this lifestyle/sport grows stronger every time.
and your channel has been an inspiration during this pandemic!
So glad it’s not just me! We were training with a friend for a bike tour (Paris to Spain), and our tall cycling buddy kept coaching me and insisting I pedaled at the same cadence as him. I’m tiny short and ride a small frame! My cranks going at his cadence isn’t going to work. It soured the whole experience for me and I was relieved when Clovid happened the week before we were flying out!
That's tough. Friendships in cycling can get complicated sometimes eh? I've had to walk away or set boundaries with people who insist I'm not doing things "right".... I hope you can still do that tour or something even better.
I've been biking for many years. I have 3 bikes I love where I bike all year. I decided to just go hiking instead this year. I'm not sure when I'll get back to bikes but I think it was due to me trying to beat my last years mileage goals. It became a job. I would love to do casual social rides but that is about all that seems appealing to me. This video hit home.
Woof. It's really a drag.
Just dug myself out of that hole.
This past weekend I ended a 50 day streak of at least 11 miles a day (Loop around Smith and Bybee Lakes) with some longer rides sprinkled in there, ended with a 124 mile epic mix surface ride that finally forced me to take a couple of rest days. So worth it. Now I'm amped about bikes again, getting fit, ready for more long rides.
Thanks for sharing and not shying away from vulnerability.
Thanks for getting real with us. I'm suffering really bad burn out now after a 1K tour north to south through Texas. I have a small channel that never grows even when you work your ass off to create content and that definitely takes the fun out of it. I decided when it comes to RUclips I will just watch and when it comes to my bikes, I will just ride. I love my bikes and it will come back. Keep it fun
I needed this today. Thank you for your honest heart and words, Russ.
I felt like this when after I quit racing. I didn’t ride a bike for a year and got into motorcycles. I started to despise motorcycles, too much work and money. I started getting back into mtn bikes. I took up road riding too. It comes in cycles. ( no pun intended)
So many RUclipsrs probably wouldn’t have the courage to admit the struggles you’re going through for fear of disappointing and losing their fan base. But this is a normal aspect of real life and I know you’ll regain that enthusiasm for cycling because it’s in your DNA.
Food for thought. When I saw the title of this video I figured I wouldn't make it through. In a flash it was over and I really enjoyed listening. You have a great way of speaking and articulating your thoughts, it just draws you in. Thanks for sharing and keep up the great work. Sometimes life is a grind regardless of what you do.
You and I have this in common, we both decided to make a perfectly good hobby into our life's work. That adds additional pressure and can take the fun out of it. For me and at this time, party pace is more stressful, because that is usually how I am introducing new riders to the activity, so I feel a lot of pressure to make it fun and accessible, and I need to be the one capable of fixing anything that goes wrong on the ride. My stress relief is to go out solo and spend an hour plus in the pain cave.
Keep it up, Russ, you creating great content.
A very open description of burnout. Excellent
Thanks for sharing Russ.
I know the struggle. I have loved cycling/biking since I first learned on a Western Flyer "Miss Buzz Bike" that was handed down to me by my Aunt. Riding it also helped me deal with my Mother's struggle with and death from cancer two years later. My Dad long distance proposed to my (step)Mom (who had lived in Missoula for a bit) while she was bike touring around Europe with her brother (a Bikecentennial ride leader). I joined my jr/sr high school's bike touring club, later became president (for 3 years) organizing week long end of year tours, fun rides, overnighters, and even a couple "fun sized" triathlons. When I moved to SLO for college, I didn't do so well because I would skip class to go ride (Pismo & Avila Beach, Morro Bay, over Cuesta Grade, over "Poly Canyon Pass" on the Jeep trails through the sheep farms before they closed them off) It really cannot be overstated how much I love riding my bike (heck, I even feel joy sometimes when I am riding on an indoor trainer). Then I was nearly killed when I REALLY smashed up my bike against the side of a car. Afterwards I had a hard time feeling the love, even with a brand new "Holy Grail" Bridgestone road bike. I still rode but the pure joy I had previously felt was missing and eventually the riding stopped because I had gotten a car and the anxiety I felt getting ready to ride was sometimes overwhelming. 30-some years after that accident, I can still have a lot of anxiety before getting out the door and riding that first mile before the joy returns (or at least the existential dread fades). Honestly, your RUclips channel is one of the places that helped me get back into riding by reminding me of how much I enjoyed just riding "Hey, that was fun when I used to... -bring my rod and go fishing on some rides. -ride on some cool dirt/gravel trails. -bike tour. -just ride." So yeah, I get it, and I am totally on your side (even though I'm sure you probably think "Ugh, this a-hole again" when I comment :S )
On a separate note, do you have a fluorescent/neon fishing pole? The Sunday before last I saw someone on a nice bike with beefy tires and a front rack with one navigating the roundabouts north of 90 by the Albertsons (didn't get a good look because I was also navigating the roundabouts and it was pretty rainy). I was driving back from Bozeman (with a newly minted MSU alumni :) ) and was stopping for gas and food and thinking "It would be really funny if I saw Russ just biking around..." and then there was this guy riding a bike with a fishing pole, lol. Probably not you, but I thought I was a funny coincidence.
Thank you for being REAL and for REPRESENTING THE MAJORITY OF CYCLISTS!
Whatever it takes to keep you going! Some times it might feel like work, some times it might feel like fun. In either case, I love what you do and I am here for it.
I realized something interesting this weekend as my wife and I said farewell to our favorite small winery after 16 difficult years in business, we were being selfish. I realized that its selfish to want them to stay when they were clearly tired and burned out or in your case, keep producing content for me to consume. I hope you know how much I appreciate your videos, even as a gravel riding roadie. You have taught me that strava stats be damned, its OK to slow down and actually enjoy the ride and to remember why we do this in the first place. This video is perfectly timed as Im beginning to experience burnout from non-stop "training" rides for 2 years, yet never competing, so thank you for this! Dont get burned out! We would rather you be healthy and inspired! ps. thanks for the like on my IG this weekend, that was me sporting your "Further" t-shirt!
Russ hitting all the right notes all we party pace cyclers need to hear, getting us back to basics. Needed this, thanks Russ.
The way I ride has completely changed from road, to all stats, pacelines, road rallies etc. It all went faded away when I suddenly lost my ride partner. He had introduced me to gravel and mtbing and riding to fun and exploration. So now riding to seeing beautiful areas and paths riding to pubs and cool coffee shop is way more my thing. Plus road riding is much more dangerous now and lost friends to motor vehicle/ bike accidents....im into partypace and having fun and enjoying the ride. Great video and I appreciate the realness.
Every bike is a fun machine. The problem with big events is the massive anticipation then the expectation. And it's so hard to accomplish. You be You! You inspire so many people. I love that you are human and like all of us. Not some uber athlete. You introduce so many people to the cool, new stuff and the useful, practical things that make it more fun. Thank you for what you do!
Hi from Helena! I think the comments here have shown your supporters (a) totally get it and (b) have gotten a lot out of your content. I don't have a RUclips channel or a spouse with a cancer diagnosis, so I can't imagine the pressure... but I can identify a little bit with your burnout. Not with cycling, in my case, but with running. I took up running at age 42 and became completely absorbed and obsessed with it for 12 years. Then menopause hit, and suddenly I didn't care about running, or about anything, really. I bought a mountain bike in 2019 to see if I could generate new non-running-related excitement for the great trails we have here in Helena. I didn't really know what a gravel bike was until I stumbled across your channel, and I was so happy to embrace the idea of "partypace" and riding for fun that I bought one last winter. So now I have two bikes to entice me to get out there and enjoy the same old views from a different "seat.". I just got home from a beer ride on the gravel bike tonight, in fact. Such a gift! I can't tell you how much I have appreciated knowing that "partypace" is a thing and that you don't have to be a bike snob to enjoy the sport. Thanks for helping me get out of my own small burnout period. I love your attitude and perspective on cycling. Take good care of yourselves!
for what it’s worth, this channel
is probably one of the only things that kept me connected and in any way stoked about bikes when my first “burnout” came about a year ago. strangely, it was “training” for a ride across my state that year that got me stoked in it again. treating it like a tour of my state by bike
instead of a lofty goal race feel made it all the more
accessible in my brain AND allowed me to finish in good standing daily AND feel great every day. thanx y’all.
I appreciate the honesty. There isn't much of that out there these days, but it's one of the things that I've always loved about your channel.
I think there is something to be said, in general, for the mental stress we've all been under since the pandemic hit. Even if you aren't aware of it, it's there, and we are just beginning to see the other side, while still addressing different issues facing our society. Its a lot when added to jobs, families, relationships... and trying to stay passionate about something we love and enjoy like cycling. I watch, read, and take part in cycling and it has buoyed me over the last few years. Yet I too and feeling burnt out and unmotivated to jump on my bike at the moment. This video is timely and appreciated, Russ, because I hear where you are coming from. Finding those little things that remind you why you enjoy cycling and the energy that comes from is important, as is taking breaks when you need to. I'm hoping now that we are seeing the light get brighter at the end of the tunnel (and its not the train) that the social side of in-person cycling will develop back and feel normal and that will help make all the difference. Cheers.
Hope both/and is ok. I am supremely inspired by your party-pace methodology, but I am equally inspired by grunting out an endurance event. Seems to me you didn’t fail in that event you did, you learned a ton about yourself and your intrinsic motivations.
that is exactly what happens to me as well from time to time, especially during the spring when I start preparing for a couple of sportives, then I start questioning everything , asking myself "why?" and then one day I discovered your youtube channel and was pleasently relieved to finally find someone who does not necessarily talk about cycling as a sport being exclusively reserved for those who intend to race, compete, take part in events, want to cycle as fast as possible, be as aero as possible, etc., which makes an average person feel outside and not even deserving to call himself/herself a cyclist in any context, so huge thanks to you and Laura for being a warm and pleasant surprise on youtube, I wish Laura and you all the best!
Thanks so much for sharing this! It's an important topic that is not discussed too often. As an older female cyclist I have struggled this year with burnout. I joined my local cycling club 2 years ago and with the pandemic and lack of races it's turned into an all out competitive challenge every weekend. Last year I pushed myself beyond what I thought I was capable of but I will never be as fast or strong as people half my age. I became so unhappy with riding with other people that I've quit the club. Right now I am working my way back to loving my bike. As Teddy Roosevelt said, "comparison is the thief of joy." I am almost 60 and have ridden bikes my entire life and they have always been a source of great joy, when I lost that for a moment I was heart broken. It became my mission to put the joy back into riding. So I ride alone and that's my happy place. I wish you all the happiness and love that cycling and life have to offer!!
Discovering your channel gave me a new lease on bike life. My life kinda fell apart over the past few years dealing with autoimmune issues, fatigue and heart palpitations. I had to change my entire view of what it meant to ride, and this channel was the perfect landing destination. I had to change my whole mindset from how fast and hard I could ride to just enjoying being able to get on a bike and ride whatever pace I could tolerate. I purchased the feedback sports stand you reviewed and started doing more of my own work on my bike, took the whole damn thing apart and put it back together, messed some stuff up along the way but learned so much. I've spent most of the past year riding on a trainer to avoid heart palpitations, but was able to get back outside recently and figure out how to manage outdoor riding on more of a "party pace" and it was a success. You really make a difference man, you've helped me find a manageable place in cycling and be ok with my limitations. Reading some of the other comments it looks like you've had a huge impact on lots of people. So just wanted to say a huge thank you, and lots of positive vibes to you and Laura.
I found that when I became a father, priorities had to change, but I still identified as a cyclist. Luckily my wife recognized that cycling is a major passion of mine and a form of mediation. She encourages me to ride. I use that time wisely and really enjoy riding again.
@RollinRat I agree! Congratulations on 33 years! I wish you many more happy years for you both!
Thank you!!! This happened to me when I dropped out of the Race Across the West. My van broke down, which was also my house and support crew vehicle.
I was completely exhausted and had so many people supporting me financially, spiritually and emotionally.
I have no real desire to compete in a supported race again, something about being so emotionally controlled and fueled by seeing my van cruise past me on the back of a flatbed truck killed my mental strength.
This video really hit home because lately I've been, "dragging my axles" so to speak. I have wanted to ride and love doing it but just can't get motivated enough to get out the door.
The thing that has helped me in the past is that my bike is on my home and lock screen on my phone. I have lots of pictures of it when it's under a tree or by the side of the road, or by the river. There are many pictures of it with my family. When I turn on my laptop or my home computer it's there on the desktop. It's a 1982 Trek 720, and I love that bike. When I look at it, it makes me happy, and that makes me want to ride. I have lots of bikes, but that one is my favorite.
The only bike that I think I would want more is a Rivendell, Sam Hillborne. And that's your fault, Russ, because I had never heard of them until I started watching your videos.
So thanks, and at the same time, how could you do that to me?
Love the channel, keep up the good work.
Yep, I worked at bike shops for years, and then moved on to a larger mountain bike company. I got totally burnt out on the industry and bikes and only now, like eight years later, am I hopping back on the bike. Only this time I’m sitting upright, have a Wald basket, and regular clothes. 😆
Having your hobby as a job call can be a drag for sure.
Great video man!
Like the ”Iceman” say: ”Don’t think too much, just do it”... A good advice actually, if I start to overthink and plan a ride too much I wont come out, no matter if it is a bike ride or a outdoor run. And a good method that you pointed out, have your goals set in small steps as it makes the “Iceman” statement a whole lot of easier to achieve. Thank you Russ for the work you are doing with this channel! I appreciate it a lot.
This is such a necessary video, thank you for being so personal and comfortable with sharing all of this. I find it fitting how this video and Propel’s latest video came out at the same time, both of you spoke about similar topics. For me, cycling has always been a way to have fun and explore the world in a new way, but so much of the bike industry is catered towards competitive and race specific bikes, that it can really turn off new people from cycling. There’s a sort of pretentiousness that I’ve picked up by many cyclists in my area who brag about their 10,000$ bike but talk like this just discourages new riders from even taking up cycling. We have a long way to go in changing the overall image of cycling but videos like this one and Propel’s video give me hope that eventually people will look at cycling as a way of transportation that doesn’t have to be competitive or so damn expensive.
This is a really, really great video. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Often whether I ride a century or sit in my chair all day and eat ice cream has hinged having my clothes and bike right at hand to blast out the door as soon as I wake up. If I opened a computer, I was doomed.
This content, like most of your episodes, is on point. Long live party pace!
I really love abs appreciate this video. For me, when the burnout hits, the guilt of not putting in miles after having spent so much money, time, and identity/personality on it just cripples me mentally.
Also very encouraging to see all these comments in here openly talking about it.
I’m training for DK200 right now. I am soooo over it. Riding on the trainer all winter sucked. Today I ignored my training plan and rode my bike for me. And now I’m a little more excited about riding again. Thank you for awesome, honest, and genuine content.
I hear ya, and it's okay. Separation between work and play is healthy. Thanks for your honesty. We're all human.
I appreciate your approach of bikes as enablers of other things - fishing, painting, coffee outside-ing. In the early days of the pandemic lockdown last year I set myself a minimum 10 miles a day work from home commute solo ride goal, as a way to safely see the world outside the house. It worked pretty well for a few months, but then the routes became stale and it was just a daily workout task. In the later half of the year I picked up an old mountain bike, which opened up a whole new set of trails and different skills, and allowed me to be a noob again and have to learn. I think variety, exploration and learning are key to not letting the brain define something as a routine event.
This video couldn't have come at a better time. Been cycling 100+km every week for the last year and suffering from a bit of bike burnout these last two weeks - haven't ridden once. Thanks for sharing.
Spot on!
I have definitely experienced bike burnout. When I first got into biking a few years ago, I went all in. I got a second hand Salsa El Mar, did a century, started learning how to wrench, and eventually got a job doing exactly that...but making your hobby your job is rarely a good idea. After spending my 9-5 talking bikes, I’d get off and not want to ride or even think about bikes because it felt like work. After that, I got burnt out because of an injury. After putting miles and miles down for several years, I found myself unable to climb even the smallest hill or just go a few miles, and it became obvious I needed to take a step back and give my body a rest. I am glad I had good friends and virtual outlets (like this channel) to get me through my burnouts and get me back to the basics!
"Hike your own hike" the mantra of the thru-hiking backpacking world - I apply the same logic to riding gravel and bikepacking. Mixing it up with flyfishing or watercolors is a perfect example. Keep up the creative camera work, editing, and content is noticed. I think t-shirts with your artwork (and hats) may be a good route for the store... Thanks for sharing
Great content! Really well differentiated from the normal cycling fare, and so relevant! Genuinely appreciated, as I routinely oscillate between mundane local routes and epic explorations. I'm on the bike pretty much every day, but still (sometimes) wonder if the commitment is one of love or obligation.
It’s difficult when your passion and what pays the bills both involve bikes , as a mechanic for over 20 years it’s at times difficult to separate the motivations...
Thanks for the vid! FD
We had a bike burn out....it lasted 10 years, went dinghy sailing instead. Came back to it found you and other's. I have said in the past you and Laura helped us to choose our Bromptons. Keep Safe the two of you. Love from England xx
Over the past few years, settling into a new location, I thought I’d get back into cycling. Long story short, having purchased three different bikes, unhappy with all of them, I turned to a small-wheel folding bike. What that did was change the dynamic of riding. I no longer had to prove something either to myself or others. No more spandex. As former pro-cyclist David Millar said in promoting the Brompton CHPT3, he no longer had a finish line to race toward. He now had multiple stops, all at his pace. Now I go out when I want, ride a distance I want and just appreciate that being on the bike (bike riding vs cycling) was a good thing. Keep up the great work.
Love your honesty. I’ve spent a lifetime in bikes and at times made a living from it. I still battle with this almost everyday yet I still ride often. Refreshing to hear you say this. I’m sure the pressure to create content only adds to it all.
Great channel. As far as biker burnout, I know exactly what you are talking about. It can be a real problem. I have burnout every day. For the first couple of miles I always think “what am I doing this for, it would have been better if I stayed in bed”. What gets me through it is my goals. I am a road rider and I have millage goals. Weekly, monthly and yearly goals. I have to ride to keep up with my goals, there’s no excuses. If I take a day off I have to make it up. It’s an obsession, there isn’t time for burnout because my goals will not be met. I really like your channel but remember, some of us have limited funds so keep that in mind. Most of my clothing and accessories comes from thrift stores and yard sales.
Thank You for the honesty. I rode hard in race training mode for years, and started to dread it, it hurt more as I got older, and at the same time I couldn’t ride as fast. Bought a gravel bike, and a MTB, and quit training and looking at cyclometer all the time, and, low and behold, I’m having fun again. It’s not my identity anymore, it’s my play time
You know Russ, no one could blame you for feeling a bit despondent given the situation with Laura. There ARE bigger things in life than going out cycling after all.
But you also have this thing where your cycling hobby is no longer that, but a job of work. A tough gig!
To your huge credit you always seem so positive and excited about what you're up to in the videos. You may not be (or want to be) a 'pro' cyclist, but you ARE a truly pro RUclipsr.
Russ, I only follow a couple of bike sites, yours being one. I am in my late 50’s and a heart attack survivor at the age of 49. Your channel has kept me motivated to take those regular rides. Sure I have a wimpy 4 mile commute, but I take longer rides and try to make the. fun rather than a death ride. Sometimes hard to do in hilly Seattle. Thanks for being their for us!
Very cool and inspiring of you to be taking motivated steps through tough times and even cooler to share and communicate about it so clearly and honestly. I’d like to offer a small statement of gratitude that somehow communicates to you a kind of pressure release to help you not feel guilty or inadequate when reassessing/resting/relaxing/eating/sleeping to recharge and find a good work/content/life balance. Take your sweet time good sir! All paces welcome in life and bikes! 🙂 ❤️
I solute you very much on all that you do.
I can relate a little to your feelings...I love to plein air paint, fish, pan for gold and bike. Making the decision can leave me feeling a little guilty sometimes. I can only do one thing at a time! You have so much more on your plate ...pace yourself is all we can do! Hang in there!
Thank you, thank you, thank you. I have loved your channel ever since I started watching you and Laura ride your Bromtons. With all this “bike boom” talk lately and people saying, “your bike needs this or you need to do this, this is lighter or faster or more tech”, it gets overwhelming. I so appreciate folks like yourself who encourage having fun and enjoying the journey. Thanks again and both you and Laura take care.
Wow. I can replace ‘cycling’ with other passion I have too. Photography and music. Thank you for this video. One of your best!
I had to resist stopping several times to comment.
I got into cycling again as an adult for fitness, and then it became a thing in and of itself where I wanted to continually improve more and more and I got to the point where I’d completed multiple challenging hilly and mountainous century rides.
Spinal surgery required me dial it back. I realized I love being on the bike just for the sake of it. And your point is very well taken how cycling can add to so many other activities. I have a hybrid to ride on the hard packed sand of our beautiful Volusia country Florida beaches, and we have folding bikes that we bring to add another element to exploring New destinations. With folders are able to cover so much more ground even riding at party pace then we ever could on foot. We also have some vintage bikes that we take to critical mass events, some of the biggest party pace rides of all. Russ keep up the great work pointing out to all of us that there’s a place for all types of bikes and riders.
Thanks Russ for your honesty. I have fully embraced your partypace mantra. Been following you two for a long time and you guys have helped me and my wife fall in love with bicycle/train travel and not being afraid of being 200lbs and throwing the leg over the steel frame and going out for a ride. All while wearing jorts and wearing Saucony’s on flat pedals. Thank you to you and Laura.
It's like you have been saying on me here in Pdx. After being on the trainer all winter and committing to a 545 mile ride with 29k of climbing next, I have bike burnout!! Trying to pull myself out of the hole, yesterday was sunny and 80 and I didn't even ride. Tomorrow is a new day. Thank you for sharing!
The good thing about cycling is that there is so much you can get from it. If you focus on one thing it can get old but if you switch focus it can become new again.
I ride every day to commute and try to ride 100-200km a week. It has changed my life. Thank you for all the inspiration.
Great, honest content Russ! My pro tip? I ride every day, just keeping fitness up for those bigger adventures. Yep, it gets boring...same routes, same sights. So I stick to the same bike for a couple weeks, then switch bikes and voila, everything feels new and fun again! Works a treat and yes, it’s a good excuse to own several bikes...
Best PLP video yet! Love your channel, Russ, and everything you have done to change the culture of cycling in North America.
Hey Russ! Glad to see you address this topic!! Burnout is real, whether in our work, hobbies, too many nights in front of the TV, etc. Anything that we are passionate about (and do too much of) can become grey to us. When I notice burnout in my work, it is a large sign that I need to take a break--even a short one--change up my routine and do something different. Whenever I signed up for a bicycle event that required me to be able to "perform" several miles more than one day in a row--such as a week-long tour, etc. at first I would feel excited by my training plan. It eventually started to feel like a chore, but my motivation to be able to keep up on a group tour kept me going. The last time I thought about signing up for a group tour, initial excitement soon turned into "this isn't worth it", and I decided that the activity just didn't fit into that chapter of my life. I decided that I would stick to the type of riding that did fit, brought me joy, and allowed me to spend valuable time and life energy with husband (who doesn't bicycle)--and who I adore. :-)
Love honesty like in this video . Sometimes being real is so much more interesting than just the content.
Russ,
Thank you for the work you do. Wishing you and Laura the best!
Making a passion your vocation is a classic dilemma Russ! You’re right, you’ve got to reinvent the inspiration again and again. Love your idea about a “me ride” and a “channel” ride. Super smart to make that differentiation!
So much tough stuff has happened for all of us the past year or so. It’s just a really tough time. So We need Partypace! : ). That’s brilliant and you own it. So own it! It’s your party, Russ! And love your paintings too! So much love for the sport comes though in those. Keep er going brotha!! Whatever you chose to define as “your party”!!
Thanks for this. Very interesting and heartfelt. My main goal in riding is to get out of the house, take a break from work, smell plants blooming, see some small change or new thing on the ride (if I am riding my normal "weekday" ride), and feel the breeze. There have been days when I lack motivation, but then I remember that I generally don't feel as good on days I don't ride and regret not going. Just that reminder gets me out on the bike. By the time I get to the end of the street, I'm already glad that I'm riding.
Thank you for doing this video! Your story makes me feel better about my own times of "burnout" with various hobbies and even my career. I appreciate you and Laura and all the good work you do!
Brother, I'm a relative newcomer to your site, (6 months or so) but I've seen your DK episode, and loved that, too. But your ethos is right up my alley - I love to ride my bikes... at my pace. I love to work on my bikes... at my pace. Sometimes I love just looking at bikes. But over some 37 years of riding now (I didn't even finally learn to successfully ride a bike until I was eleven!) I always feel that imposter syndrome from time to time, as all of the "real" boys and girls always seem to ride further, farther, faster, gnarlier, and meaner than me. I used to think I was fast, until I saw what fast was. I was never fast. Not by any stretch, not even in my late teens and early twenties, when I was fit, skinny, full of vim and vigor, and could hum along at faster than 40 mph in my 53x11 gear on the highway. I was still slow, by any account. And I'm definitely slow now, as life and it's myriad demands takes precedence and priority. Although I have always tried to make cycling an integral part of my transportation, and my life, if it doesn't fit in with the rest of my family, neighborhood, and communities way of doing things, it get's hard to keep the fires stoked, and sometimes, I just drive my car or truck to and from work for months at a time.
All this to say: I feel validated, and celebrated, by your channel, and your embrace of the Party Pace!!! Ride because you want to, the way that you want to!
Nicely recognised. Been riding for 42 years now, mostly road, and raced for lots of years. Enthusiasm ebbs and flows but accepting that as being ok really helps to stay in the flow of cycling. Cheers for all the vids.
Yes yes, great topic! I had to reject the “gotta do” thinking and find the joy again. Now I go for frequent 5-10 mile rides to meet people for coffee, and longer trips when I want a challenge.
I am glad you are making the change. Keep at it! 😊
For me, any of unpleasantries (wet, cold, windy, or dark) adds up to 3 without pleasantries (ride with friends, going to a bakery, or going for a beer) to offset, I stop myself from riding on purpose and try not to feel guilty about it. Take care!
I've been struggling with this for the first time ever the past few weeks. Very fortunate timing! Thanks for taking the time to make a video and talk about this!
I had a bike burn out during a long tour around the world that last 4 years. I was feeling super anxious just looking at my bike in the morning. Took a year long break and now it's love again 🙂
Russ
Biking became a key to clearing my mind when my wife was diagnosed with cancer. There were several episode important to me -- one was cranking out of the canyon after a ride on the White Rim Trail. I have never raced, never kept metrics, and never had so much as an odometer on my bike. I am sometimes caught off guard when asked how long a trail is or what speed I maintain. It is not how I define my sport.
You are on the right path. All the industry is moving towards what you have been preaching for years. Canyon just released a new bike that takes wider tires and has tons of attachments for bikepacking. Also. I have been suffering from the same exact thing. I have been using the bike to lose weight and got burnt out. But as you said it is the tiny habits and diversification of these habits that keeps us going
Thanks for sharing. Bike burnout is real and can have an emotional connection. I tend to race and get burned out by the end of November. Having events scattered throughout the year that has varied terrain helped. I have the most success with planning my own event for personal reasons, like riding to my in-laws to meet my family for dinner.
I enjoy your channel. I'm in my 60"s and have cycled pretty much all my life. It HAS to be fun -life really is to short for it to be anything else. Hope the good lady is doing well x
You and Laura are wonderful and I really appreciate you and understand the consequence of random events. You have to understand that it is an honor to support you as you inform, educate and stimulate and I thank you for making the effort. There will be days when it isn't 'about the bike'. So take care of Laura and yourself. Don't worry when you need a break, your insightful reflections on 'the bike' are worth the wait. I get it, the bike is a metaphor.
Thank you for your honesty. And thank you for anti-burnout ideas.
I recently headed out in still quite a cold spring here in the UK on a four day trip. I met a few folks on the road attempting the 220 mile route in two days. They asked me "how long dude? I said "four maybe five I dunno, Im just going at Partypace!" yay It's in the cyclist vocab and its all down to you....Boom. Thanks so much my friend. Glad to here your just Riding again more for you. Nick
Excellent video. Just what I needed. I get burned out on photography because I did that for work for 23 years. When I am going for a hike or bike ride, I don't even want to look at my camera bag. Nobody values that talent anymore. But hey I had a good run. My book of portraits sold all over the world and I made some real money. I want to do the Oregon coast ride soon, but just can't seem to get started training. A year and a half ago I rode 1k elevation(Burma rd @Smith Rock) every day for 50 days before my 50th birthday. A few times I missed a day, but instead of beating myself up about it I just did it twice the next day. At one point I had missed a couple days and rode it three times. Then I thought "Let's see if I can do it again, and again" I rode 5k elevation that day on really steep gravelly roads. over the month and a half, I lost only 5 lbs, but I felt trimmer and was in way better shape. I also went through 3 pairs of disc brakes!!!!!!!! It is steep coming down. Today I am going to just ride to the grocery store. Thanks for your inspiration.
Very timely, I've been suffering through bike burn out since Thanksgiving. I feel like I'm close to wanting to get back out there, but not quite there yet.